[cballard]

In this case, though, as I understand it (I live in NYC and am thus not the target market for these types of products besides maybe lightbulbs), Apple's solution, HomeKit, does allow interaction between disparate products, and it's even the banner feature!

https://www.apple.com/ios/homekit/

[ocdtrekkie]

But your 'central controller' is your phone's proprietary software. And a wireless central hub isn't always ideal because that central hub (your phone) sometimes leaves the house.